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How is Focus Affected by Depression?

Those with depression may experience difficulty focusing their attention as well as processing and remembering new information; however, such problems of focus may not necessarily be a direct result of depression. Other factors may be involved in a depressed person's inability to focus. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are conditions that hinder a person's ability to focus and may also coincide with depression.

  1. Depression

    • Depression is a mental condition characterized by sad feelings that can interrupt a person's ability to function. There are different types of depressive disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the most common types are major depressive disorder, which may also be known as major depression or clinical depression, and dysthymic disorder, which may also be known as dysthymia or chronic depression. Other types include psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and postpartum depression.

    Symptoms

    • Depression can affect individuals in different ways, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of depression. Depressive symptoms may include feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness, lack of energy and enthusiasm for enjoyable activities, social withdrawal, chronic pain with no recognizable cause, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

    Focus

    • According to the NIMH, depression is also associated with cognitive impairments that include an inability to focus or concentrate, difficulty remembering details, and an inability to make decisions. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), depressive symptoms may include difficulty concentrating and processing information when watching television or reading.

    Considerations

    • According to a study produced by a research team from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and described in a February 2010 article from ScienceDaily.com, cognitive impairment associated with depression such as problems with memory, focus and paying attention may not necessarily be caused by depression. The researchers determined that the speed at which those with depression are able to process and utilize new information may be diminished, but no clear causal link exists between depression and an inability to focus. The research team suggests that age and level of education should be considered when assessing issues of focus among people with depression.

    ADD/ADHD

    • Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are conditions that can affect people of all ages though they are often associated with children. According to Help Guide, adults with ADD/ADHD may have difficulty focusing and easily become distracted and/or bored when listening, reading or performing daily tasks. Help Guide points out that those with ADD/ADHD are six times more likely to have a coexisting psychiatric condition such as depression.

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